OEM 2001 Ford Taurus Timing Chain

2001 Ford Taurus Timing Chain Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain on 2001 Ford Taurus?

  A: The repair process for a timing chain involves beginning with removal of the engine front cover while checking for proper alignment of timing drive components to stop engine damage. The ignition pulse wheel requires installation with its keyway into the slot marked "30" or "30 RFF" (in orange color). First empty the LH and RH spark plugs then rotate the crankshaft clockwise to achieve a 11 o'clock position for the crankshaft keyway when the number one cylinder reaches Top Dead Center (TDC) while both camshafts remain correctly positioned. After rotating the crankshaft by one more turn check its correct position again. The clockwise crankshaft rotation should position the RH camshafts at the neutral point before removing the RH timing chain tensioner arm together with its bolts, tensioner, and tensioner arm. The crankshaft requires clockwise rotation by 600 degrees until its keyway reaches the 11 o'clock mark with both LH camshafts set to neutral. The technician should first remove the LH timing chain with its tensioner arm before proceeding to extract the LH timing chain and timing chain guide. Finally remove the damper bolt and crankshaft sprockets. Install the sprockets by facing the timing marks outward before putting the chain tensioner into a soft-jawed vise where a small pick will hold the ratchet lock mechanism away from the ratchet stem. Use a slow compression of the timing chain tensioner through the ratchet stem until the tensioner piston reaches the bottom of its bore. Secure the tensioner piston with a 1.5 mm (0.06 inch) wire or paper clip. Professional technicians need to place timing marks on both the crankshaft and camshaft if the original marks on the timing chains are no longer visible. These technicians need to set the marks correctly on each chain by counting the suitable links. Place the LH timing chain within the guide while lining up markers between the timing chain and crankshaft and camshaft sprockets then install both the LH timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm. Fasten the crankshaft damper bolt as you turn the crankshaft clockwise for 120 degrees until the keyway faces the 3 o'clock mark to ensure proper positioning of the RH camshafts. Put the RH timing chain in position along with the chain guide while matching the guide marks next install both the RH timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm. Reposition the crankshaft by turning it counterclockwise for 120 degrees for reaching TDC after pulling off restraining wires from both LH and RH timing chain tensioner pistons. Check the camshaft timing by counting twelve chain links between front camshaft timing marks and thirty chain links between camshaft and crankshaft timing marks. Also verify the RH camshaft timing through 27 chain links between the two components. After dismantling the crankshaft damper bolt, use the LH and RH spark plugs to proceed with installing the ignition pulse wheel containing a keyway in the slot which shows either "30" or "30 RFF" marked in orange. This stage requires the engine front cover to be installed afterward.